N’Zogbia Finally Gets French Recognition, After Being “Wasted”

Written by Ed Harrison

1:51pm Friday, September 7th, 2007

Commented 18 times

Charles N’Zogbia has spoken of his delight at earning his first call-up to the France Under 21 team.

The Newcastle star, who signed a new five-year deal with the club earlier this week, has been rewarded for a great start to the season by being called up by the French Under-21 squad for the very first time, for today’s clash with Wales.

Charles also thinks he knows why he has been ignored by France for the last 3 years – read on.

Charles N’Zogbia – punished by France these last 3 years?

N’Zogbia thinks he has been ignored by the Under-21 squad because of his controversial departure from Le Havre to Newcastle in 2004. The 21-year-old has admitted he was upset to be ignored by his country in the past, but is relishing the prospect of pulling on a French shirt for the Under-21s.

Le Havre have always claimed that Nâ€™Zogbia signed an education contract with them as a teenager – and was therefore was not free to sign for Newcastle because of French Federation regulations. At the time of the initial argument Le Havre said Charles had to stay with them as an apprentice for at least two years.

But Le Havre continually refused to accept defeat and took their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Surprisingly, on July 18th this year they were rewarded with compensation from both Newcastle United and Nâ€™Zogbia himself. The player had to pay the Ligue 2 club Â£440,000 and Newcastle United paid Â£200,000.

It does seem strange that now the case has been settled, essentially in the French club’s favor, he gets his first call-up for the French Under-21 squad. Charles told L’Equipe yesterday:

“I am happy the controversy with my departure to Newcastle is now settled,”

“Do I keep something against Le Havre? They wasted me for two or three years, preventing me from playing with the national teams.â€ “But now I want to forget all that. That made me stronger. â€œ “I had no contact with France, and I was a little upset with my country for that. â€œ

“My club reassured me, telling me one day they will call me. Wearing the French shirt is both a proud moment and an opportunity to finally show myself in my own country.”

The versatile Frenchman has been delighted with his start to the season and indeed Newcastle have made their best start for 10 years in the league. Charles seems confident that Newcastle can finish in the top 5 this season and continued:

“This season it’s got off smoothly with the new coach,” “I am proud to be at the club, and I believe the club is proud of me, as I have just signed a new five-year contract.

“I believe we can make something good in the Premier League this season. We aim for the first five positions.”

It’s always nice to hear players praise Newcastle United, but apart from the treatment he received at the end of last season from Glenn Roeder, Newcastle have always treated Charles well during his time at the club. We hope he gets his first cap for the Under-21s this evening – and a full French call-up cannot be too far away, if he keeps up his sensational early season form.Â Â Go for it Charles – and you’re right – the fans are certainly pleased to have you at the club for the next 5 years at least.

18 comments so far

This is one good young footballer getting his reward at last. He suffered due to signing for the Toon, i am sure we can all remember the fuss about young Charles signing on. Good luck and show them what they have missed due to their pettiness.

Steve, yes you could be right. Charles was definately not at his best last season, plus Glen Roeder did seem to have a downer on him, as he was always quick to drop him, even after a good performance. I was thinking more along the lines of the politics that went on between was it Le Harvre (The selling club) NUFC, French FA and UEFA. as to why he was not selected.

Kalynychenk0 please. Rotan and Husyev are other brilliant right wingers but recent bids for them of large money have been rejected because the Dynamo Kiev persident says they are the future and will not sell them unless it is stupid money. Kalynychenko also has the experience and is more of an international regular.

i don’t mind if we sell emre…and babayaro…and carr… but i’d keep duff…he’s 28…in his best years…experienced (PL, CL, international) and when he’s in form he’s one of the best wingers in the league…if not europe… with sam’s technique..he’ll soon be back on top…

Toni Kroos plays central/attacking midfield, he is probably the highest rated german youngster right now, and would be an amazing signing for the future. He is a bit like cesc…not quite as good tho, but he is like 3 or 4 yrs younger than cesc so he got a lot of time to grow.

but yes i think you are right about Silva, Chelsea or Real Madrid are likely to sign him next year

dragoner – think Sam may well do that in January if he cannot get any production out of Duff and Emre – they’re very injury prone – and since they don’t play too many games for us – maybe we should look around. Think Sam will definitely try to get a couple hundred thousand for Babayaro – before his contract ends next summer – he is always injured.

Zog has been a sensation this season and long may it continue. When Enrique finds his feet at LB, expect Zog to make the LW position his home at Newcastle for several years to come.

I expect BSA to sell Emre, Carr, Babayaro and maybe even Duff in the next transfer window as they are all injury prone, but who will he bring in? It’s exciting as we know BSA will continue to strengthen the squad. However, adequate funding may be needed to make the big push for Europe later this season……

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